Introducing Our New Advice Column: “Ask Marlee”
If you’ve experienced a dilemma during pregnancy or early parenthood that even Google hasn’t been able to help you solve, this is for you!
Our clients know Marlee to be a source of insightful support when it comes to sticky topics around pregnancy, birth, and parenting. As her spouse and business partner, I’m so excited to bring her wisdom and perspective to our larger community in the form of her new advice column!
Most parenting advice columnists base their responses on their experiences with their own kids. But Marlee has an advantage here, having worked with hundreds of families over the years. She has a huge breadth of exposure to many kinds of relationship dynamics and practical needs. After nearly 8 years in birth work, Marlee is finally ready to start answering your questions publicly.
“Ask Marlee” is born!
She has such valuable perspective from working with so many new parents and babies over the years. When supporting families, Marlee focuses on practical solutions that can actually help in real life - with a big dose of empathy.
Marlee never pretends to have all the answers. But she is always willing to get in the trenches with new parents, exploring the terrain together and sharing her guidance to find the best ways forward.
If you have a question related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or parenting, Ask Marlee!
Marlee’s experience includes:
10+ years of birth doula work
Supporting people through the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum time
10+ years of postpartum doula work
Supporting people through the first few months/first year of their infant’s life
8+ years of professional lactation & infant feeding support
Supporting people as they navigate lactation and feeding challenges with their little ones (including returning to work, starting solids, and weaning)
9+ years of bereavement doula work
Supporting people experiencing pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant loss
6+ years of infant & toddler sleep counseling
Supporting people through the immense challenge of sleep deprivation so everyone in the family can get more rest
Over two decades of childcare experience
Including hands-on childcare as well as helping clients find childcare that is a good fit for their needs and values
Through these avenues, Marlee has supported over 450 families. She has a reputation for being an excellent listener and offering compassionate guidance that speaks to the heart of the matter.
Marlee has been reading advice columns as a hobby since she was in elementary school (American Girl Magazine anyone?). She often shares questions and answers from advice columns with me, leading to many lively conversations.
If you’re in any Facebook groups with Marlee, chances are you’ve seen her name attached to long, thoughtful comments that get to the heart of the matter. She tends to ask the original poster insightful questions, encouraging clarity before offering some ideas for realistic next steps. (Marlee has a special affinity for supporting parents in VBAC birth planning and lactation groups.) Through meaningful dialogue with parents in these groups, Marlee has helped hundreds of families over the years.
Marlee’s trauma-informed worldview is firmly based in anti-oppression, equity, and justice. I know you’ll find her wisdom, compassion, and discernment to be a breath of fresh air.